This crack near the southwestern corner of Brick House is one of the main issues that concern structural engineers. Robert Behre/Staff

This crack near the southwestern corner of Brick House is one of the main issues that concern structural engineers. Robert Behre/Staff

This Library of Congress photo shows the Brick House ruins before the chimneys were lowered in the 1960s.

The condition of the Brick House ruins is precarious enough that the family recently installed a white chain around them to caution their visitors not to get too close. Robert Behre/Staff

This image shows two separate but significant structural problems with the Brick House ruins: cracks between the first and second floor window openings as well as a leaning chimney inside. Robert Behre/Staff

The architecture of Brick House on Edisto Island was very opulent for its early 18th century times. One notable detail is this face, possibly that of original owner Paul Hamilton, in a keystone on the west façade. Robert Behre/Staff

The Brick House ruins on Edisto Island are significant enough that the site was listed as a National Historic Landmark, the highest such designation possible. The family that owns the site is now weighing what should be done to preserve them. Robert Behre/Staff